Newspaper consolidation and the state of local journalism in Illinois
Storefront office for the Rantoul Press in downtown Rantoul before its closing in 2020 Jim Meadows/Illinois Public Media
Newspapers — particularly smaller, rural ones — have struggled to meet the demands of the 21st century, as more local papers fold or consolidate. Illinois is hit particularly hard by this.
The struggle emerged around the start of the 21st century as the internet became much more prominent and news shifted to an online presence. A majority of papers followed, offering both a print and an online outlet. However, with the shift to online news, there was also a shift in how consumers get their news.
The head a local newspaper in Central Illinois and the director of an initiative focused on local news at Northwestern's School of Journalism discuss how newspaper foldings and consolidation have impacted journalism across small towns in Illinois.
GUESTS
David Porter
Regional Managing Editor, The County Chronicle
Zachary Metzger
Director, State of Local News Project at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University